Cusco Horseback Riding

The Horseback Riding to Devil’s Balcony and Temple of the Moon is a peaceful outdoor excursion designed to explore the enigmatic valleys and archaeological sites located around Cusco atop a gentle horse.

Throughout the tour, you will visit the mystical Temple of the Moon, a sacred Inca rock formation, and the majestic Devil’s Balcony, an awe-inspiring natural cave and abyss carved by the Chakán River in the middle of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.

The tour takes place during the morning and has a total duration of 4 hours. Passenger pickup at their hotels in the city of Cusco takes place at 08:45 am to transfer them directly to the equestrian ranch.

The return to Cusco’s city center concludes at approximately 01:30 pm, dropping you off very close to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) so you can enjoy your lunch at leisure.

The best time to go horseback riding in Cusco comprises the months of the dry season, between April and October. During this period, sunny days, clear skies, and dry, firm trails for the horses prevail.

In the rainy season (November to March), the Cusqueñan countryside and eucalyptus forests look intensely green and vibrant, requiring only the use of a waterproof jacket or poncho.

During this adventure circuit, you will discover geographical and historical points of great appeal:

• Equestrian Ranch: Meeting point, technical briefing, and horse assignment.
• Temple of the Moon: Sacred Inca ceremonial sanctuary carved out of live rock.
• Devil’s Balcony: Breathtaking rock formation above the Chakán River canyon.
• Sacsayhuamán Trails: Andean landscapes, eucalyptus forests, and ancestral paths.

This experience is ideal for getting away from crowds and connecting intimately with nature and Andean mysticism. It allows you to travel along sections of the Qhapaq Ñan in an eco-friendly, peaceful, and different way.

Riding in the open air among forests and rocky gorges turns this tour into a perfect alternative to revitalize the body while discovering less-frequented archaeological sites.

The difficulty level of this excursion is formally classified as easy. The Andean paths traveled by the horses are wide, firm, and feature moderate slopes.

It is a purely recreational and scenic ride where the pace is calm and controlled by horse handlers (arrieros), making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

No, prior riding experience is not required. Our horses are gentle, trained for tourism, and accustomed to mountain trails.

Before heading out onto the route, the professional guide and horse handlers will provide a basic instructional briefing on handling the reins so you feel completely safe and confident.

The average altitude of the equestrian route stands at 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) above sea level, in the hills surrounding the Cusco Valley.

Since the tour is completed on horseback and does not demand intense walking on foot, cardiovascular effort is minimal, which helps prevent fatigue caused by altitude.

Yes, during the visits to the Temple of the Moon and Devil’s Balcony, you will dismount briefly from the horse. These walks are short (10 to 15 minutes) and serve to explore the caves, portals, and carved rocks.

The horse handlers look after the horses while you peacefully explore the sites alongside your bilingual guide.

Yes, it is a fantastic and highly recommended tour for children, families, and seniors. Young children can ride gentle horses assigned specifically for them with the close accompaniment of a handler on foot.

It is an ideal activity to share a safe day outdoors around the surroundings of Cusco.

It is recommended to wear comfortable long pants (jeans or sportswear) that protect your legs from friction against the saddle. Avoid wearing dresses, skirts, or pants that are too tight or short.

Bring a windbreaker jacket or light layered sweater, as cool winds often blow across the open areas of the archaeological park throughout the morning.

It is essential to wear sports sneakers or closed trekking boots that provide firm support when resting in the saddle stirrups.

Participating in the activity wearing sandals, flip-flops, open footwear, or high-heeled shoes is restricted for comfort and personal safety reasons.

Our company supplies each participant with an approved riding helmet to protect the head throughout the entire journey.

Additionally, each horse has its respective padded saddle, stirrups, and reins in perfect condition to guarantee a pleasant ride.

The program includes a refreshing country snack containing bottled mineral water, fresh seasonal fruits, cookies, and a chocolate bar to enjoy during the rest break.

If you wish, you can bring an extra bottle of water in your small daypack to stay hydrated throughout the day.

No. The attractions visited during this specific equestrian route (Devil’s Balcony and Temple of the Moon) **do not require purchasing the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)**.

This means your reservation with the agency covers all transfers, equipment, snacks, and guiding with no unforeseen ticket expenses.

The horses are carefully selected for their gentle temperament. Throughout the journey, the group advances at a steady pace led by a **professional guide** and safeguarded by **trained local handlers**.

The handlers ensure that saddles remain properly secured and immediately assist any participant who needs help with their horse.

Yes, our team carries a **comprehensive first-aid kit** aboard the vehicle and in the guide’s pack to resolve any minor scratches or discomfort in the field.

Our guides know the area perfectly and are trained to coordinate quick assistance if required.

The risk of altitude sickness is quite low on this route because heavy cardiovascular effort is not performed. However, you will be over 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level.

We suggest staying hydrated by taking sips of mineral water and breathing calmly while enjoying the scenery as your horse advances.

In Cusco’s open fields, UV radiation is intense. Applying **50+ factor sunscreen** on your face, neck, and hands before mounting is mandatory.

Using sunglasses with UV filters and a hat or cap that fits well under or before the helmet will guarantee your complete thermal comfort.

This activity is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with **severe spinal problems or recent fractures**, or travelers exceeding the maximum recommended weight limit for the animal’s well-being (approx. 95 kg / 210 lbs).

If you have a specific medical condition, it is important to inform our advisors prior to confirming your reservation.

Your booking guarantees a complete service that includes hotel pickup, round-trip private transport, rental of a **trained horse with saddle**, safety helmet, professional bilingual guide, and handler support.

Likewise, it includes the delivery of a **country snack** (water, fruit, cookies, and chocolate) and first-aid kit assistance.

The rate **does not include** unspecified lunches or dinners, extra beverages outside the provided snack, personal expenses, or tips for the guide and horse handlers.

We suggest bringing a small amount of cash in Soles if you wish to purchase any local handmade souvenirs.

No, being an optimized 4-hour itinerary that concludes at 01:30 pm, **the tour does not include a buffet lunch**. Instead, a comforting country snack is provided during the rest break.

Upon returning to Cusco’s historic center, you will have the afternoon free to lunch at your leisure in the city’s wide variety of restaurants.

Our travel policies for this horseback ride are flexible. Since it does not depend on strict nominative state tickets, date rescheduling can be requested by giving advance notice.

We invite you to contact our customer service team to receive details about the specific terms and conditions applicable to your booking de Semana Santa.

Reserving your spots is extremely fast. You can contact us directly through our official **WhatsApp** channel, fill out the web contact form, or send us an email.

You only need to provide your selected travel date, number of participants, and hotel details in Cusco to issue your official confirmation de Semana Santa.

You will discover the sacred dimension of Cusco’s surroundings. At the **Temple of the Moon**, you will admire caves with carved niches where the Incas performed rituals linked to fertility and celestial bodies.

At **Devil’s Balcony**, you will contemplate an imposing stone canyon carved by the Chakán River, where nature and Inca architecture merge in an awe-inspiring way.

Yes, strategic stops are made at the main viewpoints, Temple of the Moon, and Devil’s Balcony so you can dismount and take spectacular photos.

It is recommended to carry your cell phone or camera secured inside a small daypack or fanny pack to keep them safe while holding the reins during the ride.

Our company promotes **responsible tourism and ethical animal treatment**. The horses receive continuous veterinary care, proper nutrition, and scheduled rests.

They are raised in open field environments and undertake tours with respectful load limits to guarantee their health and excellent physical condition.

The popular name “Devil’s Balcony” comes from an impressive natural stone window and balcony formed on a cliff above the river canyon.

During colonial times, local legends associated these cavernous formations with ancient myths, although in Inca times it was a ceremonial site of great veneration dedicated to water and the earth.

It is one of the best experiences because it manages to condense equestrian adventure, Andean nature, and pre-Hispanic history into an agile, safe, and unique morning journey de Semana Santa.

If you are looking for a rewarding activity combining the gentleness of horses with unforgettable landscapes near the city, this excursion is the ideal choice for you.